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Thursday, October 22, 2009

So, how 'bout that swine flu?

I had a few ideas for blog topics this week, but some of them required thought. And I have a cold. And it's been at least a week since I pissed off the Internet. So I'm going to leave this up to you and the comments section, and just hope that someone calls me a disgusting human being because I simply CANNOT HEAR THAT ENOUGH, thank you.

Here's the short of it: We aren't getting the H1N1 Vaccine.

The Swine Flu vaccine. I hate when people call it the Swiiiiine Flu. It makes me picture a pig with barf on its chin and snot running out of its nose. Which is gross and makes me afraid that I will stop having a love affair with bacon, that dirty sexy salty piece of pig ass.

So just call it H1N1, mkay?

(I realize this is not your problem, my weird mental images, but I've got to share it with someone and I choose you, Internet. I choose you.)

I do vaccinate, according to the AAP schedule. But we aren't a flu shot family. We don't get the regular flu shot, and we aren't getting the H1N1 either. And I can just hear the cracking of knuckles getting ready to rip me a new pig hole for not getting it, and to them I say:

I did some research, but really just never planned on getting it. I don't really think that it would hurt, but I also don't think it would help.

I know lots of people are undecided and want to hear both sides... Tell me, are you getting the H1N1 Oinky Oinky Ruin Bacon Enjoyment For Life Flu Vaccine? Or not? Why?

73 comments:

Hubs got the nasal at work (works in peds), I probably won't get it...like you, probably won't hurt but I just probably won't get it. The H1N1 doesn't kill you, its the secondary infection that does. So just wash your hands, be vigilant, and pay attention to your symptoms--get medical attention if you have them! Thats all, just common sense.

I agree with the above, the same crazy panic happened with the bird flu, (hey we have this thing about animals and the flu don't we? hmmm) Most importantly take care of yourself/family.The vaccine hasn't been properly tested, it was rushed and no one can sue the companies if something happens. It just sounds really fishy.

Big NO... 'Cause there's enough s**t in the vaccines so I only give my kids the mandatory ones and pray instead for the rest :-)))Anyway, I wasn't able to find any reasons why the H1N1 is worse than regular flu, anyone, help?!

I don't get flu shots because I don't get the flu (thanks, Dad, for that overactive immune system!). My daughter will likely get the standard flu shot and the H1N1 if it's available at her appointment. She goes to daycare, and this particular flu is causing unusual damage to otherwise young and healthy people, so I think better safe than sorry.

I'll offer up my sleeve as soon as I can get a hold of one! Since I'm preggers, I'm really afraid of getting it. I'm to the point where my breathing gets a little short at times and I really don't think I would do well at all if I got the full blown flu.

My 19-month-old son and I got the regular flu shot, and we'll both be getting the H1N1. (I prefer to call it swine flu because I can't keep the letters straight and always call it "H1B1" instead, making me sound like a complete idiot. But since you asked nicely, and since I can read and edit this comment, I'll call it H1N1.) We are both in the higher risk categories -- as I am pregnant with twins -- and I think there is more potential for the vaccine to help us than hurt us. Hubby got the regular flu shot at Costco, because why the hell not, but I doubt he'll be getting the swine -- I MEAN H1N1 -- shot.

I work in a children's hospital and I've seen enough scary horrible things happen to otherwise healthy kids who get the flu (kids dead, kids seizing, kids on ventilators, kids with swollen brains who, if they survive, will never be the same again) that I am pretty well terrified of bringing the flu home now that I have a baby of my own. So, yes, I am getting the flu shot, and yes, if I can track it down, I am getting the H1N1. Not to over-hype it, but, swine or regular, the flu kills thousands every year. I say try to avoid getting it if you can.

I haven't gotten a flu shot in years and I don't plan on getting this one either. Seems everyone around here is getting sick. I'm just taking my Emergen-C and hoping for the best. Don't let crazy folks make you feel bad for not getting it.

we are getting the H1N1 shot on the recommendation of our family doc. Mostly b/c DH's immunity is in the dump and by us getting the shot it lessens the chance of exposure for him. I am passing on the regular flu shot b/c research is showing the the H1N1 seems to be guarding against the regular flu too.

I am not 100% happy about getting the shots but I am not liking the numbers that are coming out about sick people/kids w/this flu either.

I will NOT be getting the H1N1 and neither are my children or husband! I actually do not support big pharm vaccinations of any sort. A quick easy read to make you think about vaccinations is The Sanctity of Human Blood by Tim O'Shea.http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/book12/sanctity-of-human-blood-vaccination-is-not-immunization.htm

Hubs got the flu mist, and has either regular flu or swine flu at the moment but is deployed so is sneezing all over various other highly trained individuals unfortunate enough to share berthing with him. The Captain and I don't have to go outside if we don't want to (no work and no daycare) so we try to avoid the snotty people. I might get the flu shot, and might get one for her but not planning on H1N1. I feel like they pulled that vaccine out of their ass. But I am a horrible parent, I don't even see why she has to get vaccinated against the chicken pox.

Why specifically do you not think it will help? That makes no sense at all. The flu vaccine is very effective in years when they guess right which strain will be going around. This year they KNOW which strain is going around - it's H1N1.

And while many people have had mild cases of H1N1 - or what they think is H1N1 - it's very dangerous for young people. It's absolutely not something you want a small child getting.

The only reason it's dangerous is because people don't go and have it treated and then they die of the complications........so if you are a complete dumb-arse and won't go to the Dr if sick, then yes you need the vaccine.

I'm pregnant and I do not plan on getting it. Yes I'm in the high risk category...blah blah...but I'm not a dumb-arse and know that if I feel like I am getting sick, I need to be treated. Don't just lay in bed and whine like my DH.

This "vaccine" also has not been around long enough for the long term side effects to be determined, so am I going to give this to my child, my unborn child or myself not knowing what it could cause down the road? No.

Yes, X amount of people have died from it already, but do you know how many people die of the regular flu each year? A lot. Because they are dumb-arses and don't go and have it treated. If you are sick, go to the Dr. That's what they are for. End of story.

Don't feel obligated to expose your preshus baybee (or yourself or your hubby or even your dog) to a shot that isn't necessary.

More Olivia pics pwease or I'm going to start picketing. I love her little ears and those thighs!!! KTHXBYE! =)

As of right now we're opting out of the H1N1. Neither Rob or I have ever gotten the flu shot, and nor do we plan on getting it. If we get the flu, which is rare, we rest, drink lots of fluids and if it gets too serious we would see a doctor. Lucy is getting the regular flu shot (the Thermasol free version) as her doctor advised. She is not getting the H1N1, her doctor also advised this because with the rush and panic getting the damn thing out there she doesn't believe there has been enough research behind it. I agree. The level of panic is getting crazy, if Lucy started with a fever I would take her to the doctor... that is that.

I'm not getting the SWINE Flu shot. I wonder about media hype. I don't known anyone that has swine flu and no one I know, knows anyone that has swine flu. Maybe I don't know very many people. I also have concerns about the flu shot itself. Just call me synical. Shoot, I think that is spelled wrong. How do you spellcheck in the comment section?????

I've decided to get it if it ever becomes available...haha! I'm having a hard time finding anyone in my area who will be administering it. Normally I'm not a fan of flu shots, and if this was any other time in my life I wouldn't get the H1N1 vaccine either. However, since I'm pregnant and in a higher risk group, I decided to do what I feel is best for the baby. And also because I'm a chicken.

Hey, it's anonymous from up above again. Sorry about my alarmist tone, I've just seen such tragedies happen; I wanted to make it clear that the flu isn't always just a bad cold.

Two misconceptions I wanted to clear up:1) the children or babies i've seen die or critically ill from the flu were NOT brought to medical attention late. In fact, they had usually just gotten sick that day. So, people who say that it's just those who are slackers in getting to the doctor who are at risk for serious complications are wrong...2) this vaccine wasn't pulled out of anyone's "arse", atleast not much more so than the regular flu shot, which is also made new each year.

I won't be getting it as I don't have asthma, thankfully, or anything else that puts me in line (in the UK) and there is a cats chance in hell of me getting pregnant in the time this strain of flu/panic is still current (not that I don't believe in the clomid, it's just not giving me much to go on).

My Mum got it though and it did sounds pretty horrendous for about 3 weeks so if I was in line for it I guess I would.

Wow, the tone of JuLi-ElLe's comment was really uncalled for. I don't think the people that have lost their children to the flu (any type) are necessarily dumb arses! And this flu is differnt in how it has been affecting young compared to other recent strains. My perfectly healthy 9month old nephew got it. We don't know how because none of the people he comes into contact with had it, but he got it and got pneumonia. He had to be hospitalized and it wasn't from lack of care or attention from his parents. He's fine now, but it was very scary and if you knew you could avoid that situation it seems like it would be worth it.

Nope, not getting it. Not getting H1N1, not getting the regular one either. Everytime I have bucked up and got the flu shot, I have always contracted the flu! No more, no sir, no thank you.

I work in healthcare too, and you know what? They make antibacterial gel and soap, and lysol spray, and ear loop masks for a reason. I use the shit out of them. I am happy to say I have not been respiratory sick yet this year.

Can't get H1N1 anyway, since they use live viruses in the vaccine, and my mother just had a stem cell transplant. Cannot bring a live virus ANYWHERE near her. So eff you H1N1 virus AND vaccine. I ain't buyin into the hype.

No, I'm not getting any flu shots this year. I don't have children and I'm not around children. But most importantly for me, I'm allergic to several kinds of stabilizers and preservatives. Nothing like possible death trying to prevent the flu. Perhaps I'm being a teensy bit over-dramatic, but still, I'll take my chances with the flu.

I'll probably get both reg flu and H1N1 vaccines as the last time I got the flu almost led to an ER visit thanks to 104 degree fever and dehydration even WITH the loving TLC of my mother. I don't want to go through that again, so I've tried to keep up to date with the current year shots.

So sorry to offend you and your precious opinion. No, nevermind, I take that back. Just as you are to yours, I am entitled to my opinion and the tone I deliver it in. I feel strongly against the vaccine for the reasons listed above and you feel strongly for it for your reasons mentioned on more then one comment post.

However, I am not dogging your opinion to get it. I feel that the only people who get deathly ill from it are those that leave it untreated or have damaged immune systems to begin with. If you know differently then that's your life, your experience and your opinion. You telling us what you "know" doesn't change our minds.

As for the the vaccine itself being new, I never said it was pulled out of any-one's "arse" please re-read my comment and then rephrase your rebuttal. I said the vaccine was too new and I am not giving myself or my child something that has not had long term testing. There have been plenty of incidents where medicines were thought as safe only to be jerked off the shelf later for problems that it causes. It's not worth it, again, my opinion.

Also, as a PP mentioned, antibacterial soap, gel and good ol' Lysol work wonders for us. Thankfully, we have not had any respiratory or other major illness (other then 1 bladder infection) in our home in over 3 years and my child is in school full time.

Oh and Jenn, our household does not refer to it as the swine flu or H1N1. Since "arse" is my favorite word we refer to it as the Hini or Hiney virus because of how it's written.

We ended up taking up an entire lecture period in my nursing class to discuss the H1N1 shot.

I'm not getting it and neither is my son. The general comments i'm getting from the dr's and NP's I know is that if you are otherwise healthy and do not have anyone in your life that is immunosuppresed or has other *issues* that would make the flu dangerous to them, then pass on the shot.

Not only that, but Peyton has asthma too so that makes it even more complicated because it's a mist and that's not recommended for kid's w/ asthma.

I did have P get the regular flu shot last year because we had two premie's in the family, one born smack in the middle of flu season w/ some semi-serious lung issues. As adults we can make sure to take precautions like hand washing, making sure to cover when we sneeze etc etc. Kids on the other hand, especially kids who go to school, not so much! So I had him get the shot not so much to just prevent him from getting the flu, but to prevent him from getting it and passing it on to the babies who might have serious complications from the flu.

In every single case of death by swine flu that I have read about, there was another underlying issue. They were not just your average healthy person that suddenly comes down w/ the flu and dies.

Not getting it. And, although I'm one of those whacky non-vaxers, flu shots are just dumb regardless of if you do AAP vaxes or not, IMO. A. they don't work! I'm sorry but if you can't even give me a 50% success rate then what's the frickin' point? and B. It. Is. The. Flu. People. Get a grip.

I puffy heart bacon. I don't care if the change the name Ebola to Swine Flu!

I'm flip-flopping on the issue. I think we are going to get the vaccine for my kiddo. I'm an avid believer in vaccines, usually, but I was worried about it being new. But since my child goes to day care and manages to catch every single bug that comes through there, I figured it's better to vaccine him. He's already gotten his seasonal flu shot.

I'm pregnant and my doctor recomends it, but I'm due in 3 weeks and his office won't have them in time for me to get one, so I probably won't end up with one. I did get a regular flu shot though. 1 - b/c it's recommended for pregnant woman and 2 - I get a regular flu shot every year because I work closely with small children on a daily basis. The whole fam gets them. I also have a 9 year old stepson, so we're exposed to all those germs from kids at school!

Love that card. Not getting the shot here. I don't typically get the flu shot. Didn't last year and didn't get the flu. Nutella did get a flu shot this year though...hey, it's her choice. The idea of giving a small child/baby the H1N1 shot is scary. It's just too new.

I got the regular seasonal flu shot and do plan to get the H1N1/swine flu shot (if I can ever get my hands on it) as I am 26 weeks pregnant and, yes, alarmed by the panicked news reports pointed in my general direction. I did a lot of research and talked to lots of doctors and that's where I came out on it. One helpful thing I learned is that if H1N1 had started just a few months earlier, it just would've been one of the three strains in the regular flu shot and no one would've questioned its safety. It's the same thing as a regular flu shot, which have been used safely for years. But I have gotten lots of judgment about my decision (from folks including my mother, who believes every random, non-scientific comment people make), so I certainly withhold judgment on anyone making a different decision.

People should get the H1N1 and the regular flu shot because having the flu can kill you and your children. Not because I am particularly scared of the H1N1. And it's not guaranteed that you won't get some kind of a flu anyway. But the flu kills and you might as well try your best to prevent it. Every year, not this one. Also, it's doing your part to keep the rest of us from getting it, too (protection of the herd).

Frankly, people who are such weenies or so apathetic about the flu shot piss me off. The understanding of science and medicine in this country is pathetic.

"I work in healthcare too, and you know what? They make antibacterial gel and soap, and lysol spray, and ear loop masks for a reason."

antiBACTERIAL gel and soap? The flu is a virus. Antibacterial stuff works against bacterial. They're different. Shame they didn't tell you that wherever you're working.

"Can't get H1N1 anyway, since they use live viruses in the vaccine, and my mother just had a stem cell transplant. Cannot bring a live virus ANYWHERE near her. So eff you H1N1 virus AND vaccine. I ain't buyin into the hype."

They use live but weakened virus in the FluMist but NOT in the shot. The virus in the shot is not only dead but chopped up just in case.

And once again, for everbody saying this is new or untested - it just isn't true. Every year they take whatever strains of flu they think will be popular and go through the same steps to make the flu shot. H1N1 just happened to start spreading a little too late to include it. If the timing was a little different it would be in the same shot, as noted above. It's no better or worse than the regular flu shot, except you know it has a strain that's going around, and the seaonal flu shot may or may not - we won't know until later.

I was set on not getting the H1N1 vaccine. I mean, my mind was set. I have never gotten the regular flu shot, and have, thankfully, never gotten the flu. I have a pretty good immune system, if I do say so myself...except for the lovely seasonal cold and sore throat.

Like Kelley, above, I, too, am a Paramedic and we don't get a choice to be around all sorts of germies. We are expected to run (well, not literally cuz I'd fall) into any situation and deal with what we find. I can not tell you how many times we are dispatched to a scene for one thing and it turns out to be something completely different.

I have heard a lot of talk among my co-workers, and from medical directors in the ER. I decided NOT to get the nasal spray b/c there was not enough info on it's safety. Plus, the fact that it goes in the nose, and is a live virus, when you sneeze you have just shot it to wherever it can land. The shot, however, is NOT the live virus.

I am also currently breastfeeding my 4 (almost 5) month old son. He is too young to get the shot, even if I wanted him to. However, I am able to give him my antibodies through the BM.

What all this comes down to is this: I'm a Paramedic, DH is a Firefighter/EMT...we come across everything. We both got the shot 2 days ago and I don't regret getting it. I would feel horrible if I brought it home from work and ended up giving it to my child, who is still working on building up his immune system.

I am not, however, getting the reg. flu shot. Like pp's, I use all sanitary measures, and wash my hands to the point of sometimes thinking they will fall off. However, nothing is guaranteed. So, I will do what I think is best for my child and my family.

On the other hand, if YOU don't feel it's right for YOU and YOUR family, then that's perfectly okay. You don't need my approval, and I can't/won't judge you just b/c you're not doing what I did. I have my reasons I chose to, and others have their reasons not to. No need for anyone getting all immature and argumentative about the situation. It is what it is.

And along with the pp...I'm expecting more pics of your preshius baybee soon:-)

Yes, I'll be getting it, and so will my son when he turns 6 months old.

For the vast majority of people, the swine flu is no big deal, causing symptoms that are actually milder than the typical seasonal flu.

However, for a small subset of people, the swine flu sets of a massive inflammatory reaction that leads to respiratory failure and death. This may be because the swine flu is capable of invading deep into the lungs, not just the upper respiratory track: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/16/AR2009101601384.html?nav=igoogleThere are increasing reports of deaths in otherwise young and healthy people. Some of these people die very fast, just a few days after reporting symptoms.

There have now been 95 pediatric deaths where a typical flu season does not break 100 for the entire flu season. It is ominous that we are only in October. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjdCHrP82YTFser5vD6CzTK1az6wD9BGSKVG1

My son was born on the same day as my grandmother's mother, who died at the age of 24 in the 1918 flu pandemic. I grew up hearing of this tragedy which caused a huge impact in my grandmother's life. I take the flu very seriously as a result.

Wow. Who knew this issue would be so controversial. To each her own, I suppose. My daughter is 4 months old and therefore too young for the flu shot. I've gotten the regular flu and will get the H1N1 whenever it's available. I've read up on the issue (hell, I did my college thesis on the 1918 Spanish Flu!), and the real issue is that we do not have the immunity for the H1N1. It's a strain that we younger people have not experienced before, but older folks (those alive before 1956) have some immunity. This explains why otherwise healthy people have contracted H1N1 -- this was the same problem with the 1918 flu, by the way, although hygiene wasn't where it is today so that didn't help. I know several friends in their 20s and 30s, as well as my friend's 6 year old nephew who had to be hospitalized. And while the flu mist is a live vaccine, the flu shot is not.

I got both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1. Normally, I don't get a flu shot because, normally, I don't get the flu. Haven't had it in about six years. This year, however, I'm pregnant. I'm due in two weeks, but I still wanted to get the shots so whatever immunity they provide passes to the baby (there are differing opinions on whether or not that happens). Also, especially with the H1N1, pregnant women's bodies are reacting differently than would be expected with someone who was not pregnant. Our immune systems just aren't as strong, and it attacks us in a different way.

DH also got the seasonal flu shot and yesterday had the H1N1 mist. The pediatrician we are using told us that we needed to "cocoon" the baby by both being immune to the flu. This makes sense to us.

Getting a flu shot not only protects you and your child, but those around you. Our doctor said once you are immune to the flu, you are no longer a carrier, thus, if you come in contact with the flu you won't pass it along to others.

Finally, as mentioned above, the flu mist has a live virus, but the flu SHOT does not. It's nearly, if not completely, impossible to get the flu from getting a flu SHOT. I'm fairly convinced that everyone who says they get the flu after getting the flu shot is full of it and it's probably psychosomatic.

Polyhex...so sad about your great-grandmother and how that must have affected the rest of your family. My great-grandmother was pregnant with one of my great-uncles during the Spanish Flu, and luckily survived, because my grandpa (her youngest) wasn't born until 1931.

We are getting the vaccine if it ever becomes available. Some said it hasn't been properly tested, but from what I've researched it's actually been MORE thoroughly tested than the seasonal vaccine.

B had a cold in August that lasted 5 days. Fine. It sucked but was totally manageable. But he had a cough that lasted for the following 6 (SIX!) weeks. The thought of him getting even more sick than he was in August with H1N1 or seasonal flu and perhaps even getting more complications (pneumonia) horrifys me.

Yes, H1N1 "isn't that bad" but all the handwashing in the world isn't going to make my kid better once he's already sick.

We aren't a flu vaccine family either. But I'm pregnant and so have gotten the regular flu shot and most likely will get the H1N1 because my doctor recommended it, especially since I'm carrying two (she said I was even higher risk).

I'm waking up tomorrow morning at 3:30 am to go stand in line to get the H1N1 shot. I'm 36 1/2 weeks pregnant and I feel like I don't have a choice! I catch everything (and I mean EVERYTHING), so I always get a flu shot, like I did this year. I'm also on the high-risk list due to a heart condition. Since my baby is going to be born at the height of this mess, I just feel a duty to her to go get one. No matter how hard you try to protect babies from germs, you can't protect them from everything. I would feel awful if I didn't do absolutely everything in my power for her.

So I'm waking up at 3:30 to go get in line for shots that will start at 7am, hoping they'll have some left by the time I make it in.

Yes, my daughter will get it next week. I'll get it if/when I can, I don't qualify now.I do wish people would do some legitimate research instead of talking out of their ass, however, I really don't care if people don't get vaccinated as long as they stay away from me.And for the record, if I were single, I'd totally be worried about STD's, too.

My son has H1N1 right now as we speak, and everything seems ok...like a regular flu. He's had 100-101 fever, body aches, sore throat and his ears feel tender when he yawns. Oh, and he's been sleepy (making babysitting even easier). The doc didn't give anything, just good ol' advice to rest and drink fluids and to come back in right away if he has trouble breathing. We aren't a flu shot family either, and do't plan on being one.

I haven't decided whether or not to get the swine flu shot or not because I don't think it is available in our area yet. I will probably get it when it gets here, unless I am too lazy. But frankly, we barely leave the house, so we aren't exactly high risk. I did get the regular flu shot.

The funny thing about vaccination is that the motivation for them is less visible now, and people are not aware of what they have done for public health over the last century. In the 1950's there were over 58 000 cases of polio in the US. Most people knew someone who was crippled or killed by polio. After a vaccine was invented and released in 1957, the number of new cases dropped to 5600 cases in 1957. Do you think people then hemmed and hawed over whether to get it? The thing is, our understanding of disease risk has completely changed over the past century because of the invention of vaccines for the majority of severe childhood illnesses. The chance your child would live to be a teenager at the turn of the 20th century was vastly lower than what it is now. Respect vaccines. Learn your history. They have allowed us to have much healthier lives. The hype surrounding them is a luxury that our grandparents could ill afford.

Nosirree bob. Not getting it. The baby is too little (won't give it to a baby under 6 months old) and my father who is a firefighter has watched his work buddies get the flu mist and within days have gotten full blown H1N1 - which for some reason our local news is NOT reporting...hmmm. I have never gotten a regular flu shot, nor have I gotten a regular flu. So, I'm going to just hibernate with my 3 month old and leave the vaccine to the folk working as "first responders" who are exposed a LOT more than I will be. I'll also watch closely for signs of flu and giddyup to my Dr. if I'm sick so I get treated.

My husband is a critical care doctor, I'm a microbiologist and my best friend is a pediatrician and we are all pretty concerned about the severity of the illnesses seen in kids who get H1N1. This virus is NOT your average flu bug. Usually only people with compromised health issues are at risk for serious complications from the flu but 70% of the kids hospitalized with H1N1 have been healthy with no chronic conditions. That's pretty scary! Also, the way that they made this vaccine is the same way they've been making the flu vaccine for years. It is not experimental and initial results show that it provides good protection against this virus. My 2 1/2 year old son will be getting his vaccine. I've seen enough really sick babies to do anything I can to make sure my son stays healthy.

Yes, me and my baby will be getting the vaccine. It's hilarious how some of your commenters think they are so brilliant as to know exactly why people are dying from the H1N1...like "they are not getting treatment". I agree with the above poster and also work in healthcare. I think it's irresponsible to not protect your baby from a flu that is killing children as I write this message...healthy children.

I gotta say a couple of things. First off, your blithe comments of the name of flu makes me understand you just don't get it. I particularly enjoy the comments that say, "We're not a flu shot family," What does that mean exactly? Are you also not a "carseat family" because the seats are unmcomfortable? To me it is the same. There are things out there to protect your loved ones so you avail yourself of them. For those out there that think, oh I've had the flu its fine, remember two things: one you may have a strain you can tolerate with minor inconveience, two, your child may not. I'm sort of astounded, really, by the number of people that have said they don't get regular flu shots. Really, why not? What is it that you think the flu shot will do besides protect you and your family from the flu? The flu is one of those things that I don't want to gamble on. Yes, the majority of time the flu can be treated with rest and liquids. On the occasions it can't, it can cause brain damage and death. If given the opportunity, why wouldn't you protect against it?

I am so on the fence about this one but I teach at a college and the little one is in day care, so I am leaning towards we SHOULD. But then I get pulled right back...(and I am a working mom who LOVES her job more than she loves staying home with LO - I loves your stay at home vs working entry : ) )

I'm 18wks pregnant and still not sure if I want to get it. I got the flu shot already because I've gotten it before. And since the H1N1 is just a variation of the flu shot, it probably will be fine. Living in Texas there are many more cases (including my 6yr old niece) of people getting it here. A lot of hospitals don't even allow children under 14 into the maternity ward because of possible H1N1 exposure. All my doctors are recommending I get it and I'm doing my best to weed through all the crap/judgements/opinions out there (including ones on these comments) to make the decision for myself. Its a personal decision (just like vaccines) for everyone to make with their family and their doctor. Whatever you choose to do is your business and should not be looked down on. Good luck everyone in making your OWN decision. :)

We're not getting it either. In fact, G's pediatrician warned against it, saying "we don't know enough about the vaccine yet", and I trust him 100%. I figure he's getting enough shots as is, and really don't want to push another one on him.

As a nurse with 10 years experience (5 of which are ER experience).......

I say get the shot(s).

Why wait and TREAT the flu or the H1N1 when it happens when you can PREVENT it????

Doesn't make sense to me not to prevent something that could be so potential harmful to young people (I'm speaking of both the seasonal flu as well as H1N1).

Should we stop vaccinating for Measles, Mumps and Rubella??? Just wait and see if we get them and then treat it?

Should we stop vaccinating for Hepatitis and Polio?

I don't get the viewpoints that have been expressed above at all in regards to "just wait and see if you get sick then get prompt treatment." How about let's just prevent the illness all-together? hmm....

I get the whole "vaccines may cause harm" thing....trust me I am just as scared to get my baby vaccinated as the next guy. BUT - sometimes it just makes sense. Why would I want my baby to get sick (from all the people who refuse vaccines and walk around sick spreading their germs) when a simple vaccine would take care of it.

So, because of the risk H1N1 poses to my baby....I did get him the vaccine, I got the vaccine and will be getting my hubby the vaccine as soon as it's available for his age group.

about the mercury issue. i think breastfeeding mothers who eat fish adn seafood that is high in mercury (ie: grouper, orange roughy, halibut, tuna, lobster - just to name a few) are probably passing just as much (or more) mercury through their breastmilk as they would be giving to them in a vaccine. I think the mercury amounts in a vaccine are prettin minimal......especially compared to above.

We are undecided. I'm pregnant and my kids are 2.5 and 1.5. Being undecided is still easy as it is not yet available in my area anyway.

The one thing that I hate is the animosity from both sides towards the other. Its flat out lame.

Every single mother loves her children (I assume, anyway, in my unresearched opinion not many child haters take the time to read parenting blogs) and I work under the assumption that every single mother posting here is making the decision that, for whatever reason, they feel is BEST for their child. I assume that those decisions are made out of love, and with research or prayer or soul searching. These are not easy decisions and I have yet to meet a Mother who is not at least a *tiny* bit worried or afraid or whichever decision that she is making on behalf of her child/ren.

Why the hatred towards those who do or don't (talking to commenters, not Jen)? I don't get the name calling and whatnot. Have strong opinions about what YOUR family does, not what OTHER families do. It's a sign that I have been a Mama for a while now as the Mommy Wars have just totally lost interest for me.

Good luck to all. I am reading everything that I can get my hands on as the Vax will soon become available in my area. My only goal is to determine what is the safest, best decision for my kids, my husband, and myself.

I'm sick of hearing people say "Why would you want to get it and not just prevent it to begin with." It doesn't always prevent the flu! In most cases, yes it does but how many people get the shot but end up getting the flu anyways? I know the ONLY time I have EVER had the flu was the one year I actually got the flu shot. I will never get it again. As for people getting the live virus nasal spray...talk about a way to SPREAD IT! I don't want to be around someone who has the live virus in their nose, then they sneeze and it goes everywhere. That doesn't seem like prevention, that seems like they are trying to infect everyone. That wasn't the smartest invention I have to add. And don't worry, those of us saying "more for us." You can HAVE it! I'll stay home and avoid all of you germ bags.

Wow, you really know the topics that get the nutty nutbags all fired up, don't you? Good stuff.

Not only am I not getting the H1N1 vaccine, but I am also going to start having unprotected sex with pigs and replacing all of my family's fruits and vegetables with pork products.

Actually, the waiting list at our pediatricians office for the H1N1 vaccine is really long, so we couldn't get it anyway. Which is good because I really don't know which is more dangerous, the pork flu or the vaccine. (Go easy on me, Anon. Nurse Ratchet...and thanks for the visuals from your awesome "swollen brain" description. I'm sure every mother who read that is grateful...jerk).

We did get the flu shot, though, just because I've always done it. But I totally understand not getting it.

This was a hard decision for me. My hubby and I never ever get a flu shot. Likewise, I've only had the flu twice in my life and I think he's the same. However, being 32 weeks pregnant has brought about a certain paranoia that I don't normally have. Not only did I get the seasonal flu shot for the first time in my life, but I also just got the H1N1 shot.

I was concerned to get it with it not being out all that long. Am I a pregnant guinea pig for the swiiiiine flu? Let's hope not. I decided getting that flu and risking my baby's health and mortality outweighed my fears about getting the new vaccine. Hopefully I made the right decision!

My DH and I aren't ones to get flu shots.. having said that we did get the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots last week. This was due to the fact that we have a newborn baby in the house... he was 1 week old the day we got the shots. We will be on a delayed vaccination schedule for him once he is old enough. But I am not opposed to getting vaccinations I usually would not since I am breast feeding. This way he gets all the antibodies and none of the vaccination. Next year we will have to decide whether or not to get the flu shot or not since the baby will be old enough.. but for now I decided to why risk it since he is so little there would be little that they could do for him if he got sick. I did refuse to get both shots while I was pregnant though even though I was a high risk catergory with my age and Gestational Diabetes. It is a personal decision for everyone and there are risks with every medication that is why it is important to educate yourself beforehand.